Basically, it sounds like a lot of the people in this thread have an overly-rosy and kind of idolatrous view of 'free speech', just because it's enshrined in American law.

Some speech shouldn't be free. And, indeed, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees freedom of thought, belief, and expression in Section 2, says the following immediately preceding in Section 1:

Quote:

1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

I think this is a far better approach. Words have power and some words are very clearly beyond the pale.

__________________I believe, O Lord, and I confess, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief...
~ Ryan Isaac==========

The tree of Eden once caused bitterness,But the Tree of the Cross made sweetness of life to blossom!In tasting the first, Adam fell into to corruption,But as we eat the Body of Christ we are given life and mystically deified,Receiving God's eternal Kingdom.Therefore we cry out in faith: Glory to Your suffering, Lord!

You may have to be a little older to appreciate this, but there once was a time when people were desecrating religious symbols, burning flags and other symbols that people cherished, and making outrageous statements that the majority of Americans found offensive and....wait for it....the LEFT said WE HAVE FREE SPEECH. For the longest time "freedom of speech trumps all" has been a value of the left. Now that the left doesn't agree with the speech???? Well, now it's another story.

Speaking of "free speech", over the last few years it has been more and more common for satanic groups to set up monuments and memorials in direct opposition to more traditional monuments/memorials. If you question this or are somehow unaware of the trend a quick google search will enlighten you. As this trend has gained momentum I have not seen a single thread or comment on CGR expressing the opinion that promoting satanism is so bad that free speech associated with it should not be protected. I'll reference again "pigs in a blanket it fry em like bacon" and "what do we want? dead cops/when do we want em? now". Again...no threads or comments stating that free speech should be stifled.

As one of CGR's resident lefty spokespeople, I again want to make a distinction regarding speech very clear:

1. As an American, I support freedom of speech as outlined in the 1st Amendment, meaning that I don't think the US government should punish you for speech except in narrow areas that we've carved out as exceptions to that right.

2. As a Christian and as a human being, I don't think that all speech is good speech, or that we should treat all speech as equally valid. I also don't think that speech should be free of other social consequences.

3. People should absolutely use their own freedom of speech to speak out boldly and loudly in favor of the principles they stand for, and against the ones that they oppose. Sometimes they will be in the majority. Sometimes they will be in the minority. The minority does not have their free speech somehow oppressed because they've been drowned out by the majority saying "we don't want that speech here."

Again, I do not think anyone should be punished by the US government for their speech, regardless of whether or not I agree with what they say. But I am totally fine with people shouting them down and letting them know that their opinions are not acceptable in a particular community.

As one of CGR's resident lefty spokespeople, I again want to make a distinction regarding speech very clear:

1. As an American, I support freedom of speech as outlined in the 1st Amendment, meaning that I don't think the US government should punish you for speech except in narrow areas that we've carved out as exceptions to that right.

2. As a Christian and as a human being, I don't think that all speech is good speech, or that we should treat all speech as equally valid. I also don't think that speech should be free of other social consequences.

3. People should absolutely use their own freedom of speech to speak out boldly and loudly in favor of the principles they stand for, and against the ones that they oppose. Sometimes they will be in the majority. Sometimes they will be in the minority. The minority does not have their free speech somehow oppressed because they've been drowned out by the majority saying "we don't want that speech here."

Again, I do not think anyone should be punished by the US government for their speech, regardless of whether or not I agree with what they say. But I am totally fine with people shouting them down and letting them know that their opinions are not acceptable in a particular community.

As one of CGR's resident righty spokespeople () I agree with all three of these points. The only question I have is what exactly constitutes those "narrow areas carved out as exceptions" in your book?

I also believe in boldly proclaiming truth so long as it is in a loving manner. That is why I would hesitate to participate in any public demonstration regardless of the issue. There are usually too many people (on all sides) who are there to fight.

I understand that. My point is that the government is the one who periodically adds things to the list. Where is the line in your opinion? It seems they leave a LOT of room for exceptions especially under "Fighting Words and Offensive Speech".

I can honestly envision a time when a preacher won't be able to publicly say that homosexuality is wrong based upon some of the guidelines in that link you provided.

One legal commentator has suggested that, along with fighting words, speech might be unprotected if the speaker intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts severe emotional distress.

As an aside.....is your user name short hand for metal mouth as in you had braces? Probably been a few years.

As to your last post. It was well said. I have a few questions: You were very specific in your verbiage concerning the "US Government". How about institutions like colleges? Does it make a difference if they're 100% private or partially government funded? There have been numerous incidents of conservative voices being silenced on college campuses. What are your thoughts here?

How about the media? It's mostly privately funded, but do they have an obligation to honor free speech?

How about NPR? They're partially government funded and there have been specific incidents where they have been on the wrong side of this issue.